Fatigue Management in the Northern Territory
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Frequently asked questions
Implementing your fatigue management system
1. What if my drivers don’t follow company policies and drive outside our fatigue management policy?
Under the Northern Territory Workplace Health and Safety Act all workers have a duty of care to follow reasonable instruction given by their employer in relation to safety. Driver fatigue is a safety issue. However, it is important to note that if an employer is aware that the policy is not being followed, the employer also breaches their duty of care if they don’t enforce it.
2. How can I tell if my driver is adequately rested and fit for work?
Firstly all companies should have a policy that outlines what the expectations are for the driver, i.e. present fit for work adequately rested and free from the influence of drugs or alcohol. When first developing a policy you should involve all existing drivers in the decision making process. This policy should include a clause that has a process in place in the event the employer has concerns over fitness for work e.g. constantly yawning, smell of alcohol or drugs on breath, inattentive or distant behavior.
3. How can I influence my drivers’ out of work activities?
You can educate workers on lifestyle issues, for example, the advantages of responsible drinking, good quality sleep, fitness and healthy eating. You should also have a policy where workers present in a fit state for work – and enforce it. (See above).
4. Must I undertake a risk assessment for each trip?
Not if the trip has the same driver, same route, same tasks, same times, and is carried out on a regular basis. In this case, one risk assessment is adequate. If one of these factors change you will need to re-do your assessment to take this change into account.
5. Must drivers be involved in every risk assessment?
Yes, they must sign off an assessment. They must be satisfied that they can safely complete the trip/roster as detailed in the risk assessment.
6. Are medical assessments mandatory?
The Northern Territory has implemented the national guidelines for medical examinations in relation to commercial passenger vehicle driver license (‘h’ endorsed licenses). Whilst it is recommended drivers of other forms of commercial transport undertake regular medical assessments for fatigue management purposes, this is an advisory measure only, and is not required under legislation.
7. What training is available?
Training modules for fatigue management are available through the Transport Distribution Training framework, provided by accredited training agencies. Further information regarding training can be obtained by contacting the ATANT. However, if you require assistance in the use of any of the resource materials contact NT WorkSafe or Department of Planning and Infrastructure.
8. What is considered ‘appropriate’ accommodation?
For heavy vehicle truck and coach drivers undertaking long trips, a sleeper cab or bunk which meets the appropriate Australian Standard is considered adequate accommodation. If a sleeper is not available, the driver should be provided with accommodation in an environment, which allows adequate sleep.
For drivers employed on safari-style tourist operations, accommodation of an equal standard to that provided for guests would usually be considered appropriate for the driver to obtain adequate rest in the short term. Over a longer trip this could lead to an accumulated sleep debt and operators should take this into account in the risk assessment.